Five Great Green Landscaping Possibilities

1. Adding a water feature to your landscape promotes meditation and relaxation. 2. Solar powered lighting is a great way to illuminate a walkway without wiring.

1. Adding a water feature to your landscape promotes meditation and relaxation. 2. Solar powered lighting is a great way to illuminate a walkway without wiring.

Spring is in the air and many
people get antsy about gardening and beautifying their property. Be
creative and with a little careful planning, you can develop a garden
that is both beautiful and sustainable for many years to come.

Here are five ideas for your
garden retreat:

Type of garden

Native plants and
trees for sustainability

Recycled materials

Water features

Outdoor lights

Type of Garden

The lay of the land determines
the unique design for your attractive and ecologically sound garden.
However, you have to do your homework first. Take a notebook, jot down
the direction of your land, and mark shrubs, flowers, and trees already
there. Hire an experienced landscape
designer specialized
in green landscaping.

Be creative and with a little careful planning, you can develop a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable for many years to come.

Native plants and trees for
sustainability

The library, the internet,
nurseries, and garden societies for native plants and trees can give
sound advice when it comes to finding what grows best in your area.
Drought and disease resistant plants, shrubs, and trees need little
water once they are established. Check for soil deficiencies; amend
the soil with organic fertilizers and compost. You can control weeds
without chemicals by putting down landscaping cloth that will also conserve
water.

Recycled materials

Knowing the climate zone for
your garden determines the amount of water you will need for your garden.
Water hoses, irrigation pipes, and sprinkler systems made entirely from
recycled materials are widely available. Solar, electrical, or water-powered
timer systems control the amount and quantity of water. Many eco garden
catalogs though usually pricier than others offer everything you need
to either plant and maintain your garden/landscape - from heirloom seeds
to fencing materials. If you are not fond of deer and rabbit in your
garden, invest in a deer fence that is at least 8 feet tall. Place statues,
plaques, stepping stones, or gazing globes in areas you particularly
like.

Water features

In or above ground ponds, surrounded
by water plants, create havens for frogs, dragonflies, bees, and butterflies;
they invite you to rest and meditate. A fountain powered by submerged
solar energy keeps mosquitoes away. Find or make an attractive birdbath
and place it in a flowerbed near the house. You could also design a
dry creek bed with smooth river rocks in different hues that meanders
through your landscape. Place trees and shrubs strategically to complement
that look.

Outdoor lighting

Illuminating a path or special
feature in your garden is no longer a job that requires laying down
wires. There is a wide choice of outdoor lighting available that is solar powered and gives off just enough light without
blinding your neighbors. Find one that uniquely fits your needs.